Maven's Morning Coffee: mayoral candidates prepare for a TV debate, a look at the future of the LA City Council

by Alice Walton

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The Los Angeles mayor's race is heating up as the City Clerk prepares to mail out absentee ballots. Alice Walton/KPCC

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

Today is Monday, Jan. 28, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

KPCC previews this evening's mayoral debate at UCLA. "[H]ere’s the biggest thing to remember in the race to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: most voters have paid little attention to it, and remain undecided."

Los Angeles Times writer Jim Newton looks at the visions L.A.'s mayoral candidates have for the city. "It may be tempting to dismiss the importance of a mayor's physical vision for Los Angeles. But imagination matters, as L.A.'s history well attests," Newton writes.

The LA Weekly has a pro-Kevin James ad from the Better Way L.A. committee.

The upcoming elections for the Los Angeles City Council could bring in candidates that will hold office until 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times. "You're talking about the most powerful City Council in the United States," says Raphael Sonenshein with the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Daily News looks at the Sacramento politicians making their way south. "The migration to the Los Angeles City Council is due to term limits. The local office offers the chance to extend a political career for another 12 years, plus the opportunity for a better-paying job with less travel."

The Los Angeles Times talks to former District Attorney Gil Garcetti about his son's run for mayor. "The best line, though, is going to be being introduced as the father of the mayor of Los Angeles. That would be pretty cool," he says of Eric Garcetti's campaign.

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.